Sydney Origin launched at ANZ Stadium

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Ricky Stuart and Mal Meninga have launched public ticket sales for Game 2 of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series in Sydney with a call for NSW fans to recapture one of the greatest nights in Origin history.

Stuart describes last year’s packed house at ANZ Stadium, a night where captain Paul Gallen gave the Blues back their Origin bite, as one of his most memorable Origin moments.

Public sales for the only game in Sydney commence at 10am AEDT tomorrow and with Queensland having all but sold out Game 3 in a single day yesterday, even Meninga wants to see Blues fans show their passion.

Never has Game 2 loomed as a more crucial clash for Stuart’s side as they strive to end six years of Queensland Origin dominance with an opening match in Melbourne and a final clash in Brisbane.

In a year where Harvey Norman State of Origin moves to a new level with an inaugural Toyota Under 20s State of Origin clash, to be played at Penrith, and with more than 15,000 blue-wigged fans set to converge on ANZ Stadium, the stage is set for a night all Rugby League fans will want to be part of.

“It was the best atmosphere I have witnessed for Origin in Sydney,” Stuart said of ANZ Stadium last year.

“I was really proud of the players, how they embraced what we wanted to achieve and their attitude throughout the whole series, and our fans really responded to that and replicated their energy and attitude.

“Nobody gave us a hope in that Series but after the game in Sydney we had everybody believing we were a chance and wanting to be part of Origin and that’s the spirit our fans will bring with them again this year.”

Meninga is well aware of the passion Stuart has instilled in the VB Blues camp and of the reception his side can expect in Sydney this year.

“Regardless of the result from the Series opener in Melbourne, Game 2 in Sydney is going to be a massive challenge for us,” Meninga said.

“We had the opportunity to wrap up the Series last year at ANZ Stadium but the Blues outplayed us and really lifted in front of a parochial home crowd.

“We want to see that sort of passion in NSW because there’s no shortage of it in Queensland and we want to see plenty of maroon wigs in the crowd at ANZ as well.

“We know we’re going to have to be at the top of our game to win in Sydney.

“The majority of guys in the squad have done it before so we’ll gain some confidence from that.”

Meninga and Stuart today joined ARL Commission Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, NSW captain Paul Gallen, Origin legends, NSW Toyota Under 20s Origin coach Dean Pay and members of the NSW and QLD Police teams at ANZ Stadium to mark the countdown to a 2012 Harvey Norman State of Origin Series that features:

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Tickets for Game 2 of the 2012 Harvey Norman State of Origin Series at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium will go on sale to the public from 10am AEDT tomorrow from Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or online at www.ticketek.com.au/origin.

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While ticket prices are currently the same as last year, a new dynamic ticket pricing scheme will be in operation for Game 2 in Sydney. This pricing system rewards members and fans who purchase tickets early with the best seats at the lowest prices. While ticket prices will remain fixed until April 22, as the demand for a decreasing number of tickets grows closer to the event, ticket prices will be subject to increases.

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Already more than 37,000 tickets have been sold for the opening clash of the Series in Melbourne on May 23 and only single seat and restricted view tickets are available for Game 3 in Brisbane on July 4.

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Darren Lockyer’s record-breaking career in the Origin arena will be celebrated with Queensland and NSW to play for the Darren Lockyer Shield in an inaugural Toyota Under 20s State of Origin match.

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Penrith’s Centrebet Stadium has been confirmed to host the Toyota Under 20s State of Origin clash on Saturday, April 21, as part of the stand-alone representative weekend that includes the VB Test between Australia and New Zealand in Auckland on Friday, April 20, and the AAMI Country-City clash at Mudgee on Sunday, April 22.

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As part of the 150-year anniversary celebrations of the NSW Police Force, the NSW and QLD Police teams will clash in a curtain-raiser to Game 2 of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series.

ARLC Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said the introduction of an Under 20s Origin reflected the status of the game’s elite junior competition.

“The Toyota Cup is unrivalled in Australian sport as both a pathway for our junior stars on the field and for the career and education opportunities it provides for them as well,” Mr Gallop said.

“It has captured the imagination of fans and already this year has set new ratings records on Fox Sports.

“To see it provide the platform for an Under 20s State of Origin concept underlines the impact it has had on our game.”

Stuart added: “I wrote a column when this competition was in its first year saying how exciting it was and how I thought it could develop into a representative pathway.

“To see that become a reality is exciting for our game and exciting for the future of State of Origin.

“Rugby League provides the best pathway possible for elite juniors to progress from the 16s and 18s ranks, through the 20s and on to the NRL and this will just add an exciting new dimension to that pathway.”

Tickets for the Toyota Under 20s clash are now on sale through PROTicket at www.proticket.com.au, by calling 1300 12 10 12 or at PROTicket outlets.

All tickets are classified as general admission and cost only $10 for adults, $5 for Juniors (4-15years inclusive) and $25 for a Family ticket (2A+2J or 1A+3J).

Tickets for Game 2 of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium will go on sale to the public from 10am AEDT tomorrow from Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or online at www.ticketek.com.au.

Every Origin ticket includes the price of public transport to and from ANZ Stadium.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service:
Rugby League’s One Community charity partner for the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series is the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, which is responsible for the collection, processing and distribution of blood products throughout Australia. Its ‘Donate For Your State’ campaign challenges NSW and Queensland fans to win the off-field battle for Origin supremacy by donating blood and helping those in need. Rugby League fans can make an appointment to donate for their state at www.donateblood.com.au or by calling 13 14 95.